Michael Lonesome, a 40-year-old inmate at USP Allenwood in White Deer, Pennsylvania, was indicted by a federal grand jury on April 23 for possessing a weapon in prison and assaulting another inmate with a dangerous weapon, according to an announcement from the United States Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania on April 24.
The indictment alleges that Lonesome had a razor blade which he allegedly used to attack another inmate. The case is being investigated by the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Assistant United States Attorney Robin Zenzinger is prosecuting the case.
If convicted, Lonesome faces up to ten years in prison and a fine under federal law. Sentencing would also include supervised release after imprisonment. The actual sentence would be determined by a judge who considers applicable federal statutes and sentencing guidelines. Authorities remind that indictments are only allegations and all persons charged are presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Middle District of Pennsylvania handles prosecutions of federal crimes such as this one, civil litigation for the government, and victim assistance programs according to its official website. The office serves about 3.2 million residents across its jurisdiction covering 33 counties and spanning over 21,900 square miles according to its official website.
Facilities managed by the office are located in Harrisburg, Scranton, Williamsport, and Wilkes-Barre according to its official website. Community safety efforts include initiatives like Project Safe Neighborhoods as well as re-entry services aimed at reducing recidivism according to its official website.
As part of the Department of Justice’s work within this region, these efforts reflect ongoing attempts to balance public safety with rehabilitation.
